Save future of racing

To the Editor:

My parents, Linton and Tina Quirrion, have raced and raised Standard Bred race horses in Maine for forty-eight years. My siblings and I worked with my parents on their farm in Livermore, were we attended Livermore Falls High School and then went on to achieve multiple advanced degrees from Maine colleges. Racing, studying and working on the farm were a way of life for us and I would urge you to support Biddeford Downs so that other families have the opportunity that I had to grow up on a working farm.

Though I have a full time job, I continue to help my parents grooming the horses at the commercial race tracks and local fairs. Throughout the years, the cost of purchasing, feeding and racing horses have outpaced the purses that horses race for. In order to continue racing in Maine, the owners and breeders of standard bred race horses need Biddeford Downs. States that support racinos have seen their purse structure and value of horses increase. Currently, purchasing a horse from out of state is a no-win situation for Maine owners. Often the price of a new horse is greater than the earning potential under Maine’s current purse structure. In order to compete, owners need to invest in higher priced horses from out of state. In order to upgrade stables, owners need to be assured that Maine has a harness racing future. Currently, the future is unclear. The City of Biddeford approved Biddeford Downs, the harness racing community needs this facility in order to invest in Maine harness racing future. Biddeford Downs will result in new jobs as well as revive an existing Maine industry. Please preserve a way of life and support Biddeford Downs

Susan E. Clary

Livermore Falls